Epomaker RT85 vs Split 65Screen or Split Layout
Choose the RT85 for its screen, joystick, and larger battery, or the Split 65 for adjustable split typing and QMK/VIA support.
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4.8 · 37 reviews
from$68at Epomaker
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4.9 · 62 reviews
from$101at Epomaker
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker RT85
Battery
Build quality in the top 50% of 75% boards under $100.
- 8000mAh battery, larger than the Split 65's 3000mAh battery.
- TFT screen and programmable joystick for display customization and media control.
- 75% ANSI layout with a function row.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Get the
Epomaker Split 65
Build quality in the top 35% of 65% boards under $150.
- Adjustable split halves for changing the keyboard's typing position.
- QMK and VIA support for remapping keys, macros, and layers.
- Hot-swappable for 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
Choose the RT85 if a larger battery, TFT display, joystick, and 75% layout are the priorities. Choose the Split 65 if adjustable split typing and QMK/VIA customization matter more than those desk features. Both are hot-swappable and support wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz connections.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Epomaker RT85
Epomaker Split 65
Layout size
75%
65%
Battery
8,000 mAh
3,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Ergonomics
Standard
Split
Case material
Plastic
ABS, Metal
Switch options
Linear, Silent, Tactile
Linear
- Epomaker RT85
- Epomaker Split 65
- Performance
- 7474
- Build quality
- 6672
- Productivity
- 7688
- Customizability
- 6686
- Portability
- 9189
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Sound dampening
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
Gaming is close: both list the same polling rate and N-key rollover, while the Split 65 vendor reports lower wired and 2.4GHz latency. For office work, the RT85's silent switch option and the Split 65's adjustable split layout suit different preferences. The Split 65 is the stronger fit for programming and modding when QMK/VIA and split positioning are priorities. The RT85 has the travel and content-creation edge on battery capacity and its built-in screen and joystick.
It's a tie
- Both list a 1000 Hz polling rate and N-key rollover.
- The RT85 has a 75% layout and a joystick for volume, RGB toggling, and mute.
- The Split 65 vendor lists 3ms USB and 5ms 2.4GHz latency, while the RT85 vendor lists 6ms wired and 12ms 2.4GHz latency.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Epomaker RT85
37 owner reviews
“My all time favorite keyboard -- awesome aesthetics, great functionality, types like a dream, and brings just the right amount of fun and whimsy to my new setup.”
Epomaker Split 65
62 owner reviews
“I instantly fell in love with this keyboard despite never having tried a split before. I really hope Epo comes out with more split models and colors!”
“Several keys on this keyboard double type, causing two letters to type instead of one. The fixes suggested by customer service have not resolved this, nor has changing the repeat delay or repeat rate settings as was suggested online. Otherwise it's a good…”
Epomaker RT85 vs Split 65 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 24 specs differ
Epomaker RT85
Epomaker Split 65
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Epomaker RT85 vs Split 65: your questions
The RT85 is a 75% keyboard with a TFT screen, joystick, and 8000mAh battery. The Split 65 is a 65% keyboard with adjustable split halves and QMK/VIA support.
The RT85 has an 8000mAh battery, while the Split 65 has a 3000mAh battery. The RT85 therefore has the larger battery capacity, though actual runtime depends on use.
The Split 65 is the more direct pick for programming if you want QMK/VIA remapping, macros, or layers and an adjustable split layout. The RT85 has a 75% layout with a function row, which may suit buyers who prefer that layout.
Yes, the Split 65 product description lists both QMK and VIA support. It describes remapping keys, creating macros, and customizing layers.
Both keyboards are hot-swappable. The RT85 vendor specifies compatibility with 5-pin mechanical switches, while the Split 65 vendor specifies 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
The RT85 has a TFT screen and a programmable joystick. Its vendor describes joystick controls for volume, RGB effects, and mute, and says the screen can show custom images or GIFs.
The RT85 lists a silent switch option, described by its vendor as a soft, muted tactile switch. The Split 65 instead offers an adjustable split layout, which may appeal to buyers prioritizing hand position over a specified silent switch option.
The RT85's 75% layout includes a function row. The Split 65's compatibility notes specify that its 65% layout has no function row.
Both list Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired connectivity. The RT85 has an 8000mAh battery, while the Split 65 has a 3000mAh battery.
The Split 65 is listed at 800g, while the RT85 is listed at 1000g. The Split 65 is also described as having adjustable two-half positioning.
Both have south-facing LEDs, and their compatibility notes warn that shine-through legends stay dark. The notes also say some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
The Split 65 explicitly lists QMK and VIA support for remapping, macros, and layers. The RT85 is hot-swappable and its vendor describes a programmable joystick and customizable screen, but its product listing does not specify QMK or VIA.
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